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A Socratic Life

I’ve often heard a profound claim from people who’ve had a terminal diagnosis, a disabling illness or a shattering incident. They unanimously claim that their life splits into life before and life after the event; I can personally confirm that’s the case. For me, the split happened in late 2005 in a quiet neurologist’s office with the diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease (ALS). ALS is a terminal, degenerative disease that kills the nerves responsible for voluntary movement. I must admit it’s an annoying and inconvenient disease to experience. Becoming entombed in my body isn’t the future I had planned out at 34.

Life after that day has been what I consider a Socratic affair.

What is a Socratic Life?

Like Socrates, becoming Socratic means questioning what we believe and why in order to find a better way to live. Living a Socratic Life means having the courage to see things for what they are, taking responsibility for what we can change, and accepting that which is beyond our control.

For me, living a Socratic Life means to become an active participant in my own story.

With a background in bodywork and holistic therapies, my experience with Herbalism increased and my desire to delve deeper intensified. So, I decided to complete my professional certification in Western Herbal Medicine. The training taught me how to use herbs correctly and inspired me to follow the vitalism/constitutional tradition. I use this form of herbalism to help myself, family, friends and in consultation with Herbosophy’s clients on their health concerns.

Five years after the medical death sentence, I founded an online herbal apothecary called Herbosophy. The service became a natural consequence and extension of what I was doing for myself: using dried herbs for teas and encapsulation to enhance my health.

Simultaneously, I was studying Law at the University of New England, but after some useful units and finding out I’d never be able to register as a lawyer, I changed my major to Philosophy. I’d had an unshakeable desire to complete the Philosophy degree I had abandoned in 2005 when diagnosed. For decades, Philosophy has been a salve to my soul. The practicality of ancient Greek philosophy (Stoicism in particular), and existentialism (for the sheer humility it provides) has kept me rational and grounded through the terror of progressive terminal paralysis. After a few years and not feeling inspired by UNE’s Philosophy program, I decided to continue the BA in Philosophy through Macquarie University online.

But, I yearned for more.

Writing is a physical skill I can still perform on my own through mouse-driven software. I thought “Hey, if this is something I’m able to do, why not learn to do it well?” Soon after, I enrolled in an online Professional Writing and Publishing degree through Curtin University and graduated in 2019. In the meantime (before I compose the #1 World’s Bestseller), I’ll write articles on ALS, practical philosophy and herbalism as a way to refine my craft and connect with you.

So What?

It is my purpose that the Socratic Life offers you some useful knowledge, practical skills or inspiration to keep going further despite your perceived or tangible suffering. If it has done so in any way, you’ve equally made my life that more meaningful. Connect with me by leaving a comment under your favourite post, share it with others, and subscribe to receive updates.

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1 thought on “A Socratic Life”

Hey Jorge thanks a lot, I haven’t bought off u in a while, I will soon. I had a massive car crash December 1999 which changed the course of my life for the better, but left me with a permanent injury in my back, loss of a spleen and many Brocken bones. Herbs and good philosophies on life especially those of say Dr Gabor Mate, Bruce Lipton, Chris Killham( medicine hunter) etc, have helped me a lot.at the time of my crash I was a terrible addict of alcohol and heavy intravenous drugs. I’m very lucky I’m resilient, at 45 I’m doing ok, I have circulation problems in my hands from the crash and possibly smoking and drugs/ alcohol.and have suffered terrible anxiety, long before, heading on my path of destruction. I’m thinking of heading to Amazon and shipibo people and the temple of the way of light, recommended by Chris Killham, dr Gabor, I’ve gone on a lot …. sorry 😐, it helps to share my story my path. Still searching. Thanks for publicly sharing your story, I think Pain emotional and physical dissipates when shared, being alone isolated, and in pain is the worst thing, I know, !!!..and I’m sure u do to …. thanks Sean 🌊🤚🙏